Cristiano Ronaldo has made a major announcement about his football career, bringing an end to an era that lasted more than two decades.
Matthew Sullivan
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his career with Portugal to an end.
The 41-year-old shared the news on social media, saying: “The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.
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“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.
“When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.
“I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home.
“I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life.
“Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.”
Ronaldo made his international debut at the age of 18 in 2003 and his final appearance came in a 1-0 win over Wales in September.
He left Portugal’s camp early after a falling out due to being left on the bench as an unused substitute in a Nations League game.
Ronaldo was fined A$408 and given a 30-day ban — he later issued a 1,740-word statement explaining his decision and apologising to teammates.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has appeared at six World Cups and five European Championships, winning the 2016 Euros with Portugal. He scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
Portugal lost 1-0 to eventual winners Spain in the round of 16 at this year’s World Cup.
There had been chance he could have continued playing at international level and represented Portugal at the 2028 Euros, but that won’t be happening.
The announcement comes after Ronaldo’s contemporary, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, also announced his retirement from international football following the World Cup this year.
Ronaldo will continue to play at club level for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he is coached by Australia’s Ange Postecoglou.
Last year he signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr worth a total of A$339 million.
He is only 15 goals away from becoming the first football player ever to score 1000 goals at senior professional level.
